Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 13, 562-575, Copyright © 1966 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society

Diazepam as an Intravenous Induction Agent For General Anaesthesia

¹ Department of Anaesthesiology and Director of the Research Centre, Institute of Cardiology, Laval Hospital, Quebec, P.Q.

Diazepam, a new psycholeptic drug of the benzodiazepine group, is closely related pharmacologically and chemically to chlordiazepoxide. It has proven to be an excellent hypnotic when used intravenously. In 88 patients (7 cases of cardioversion, 81 cases of various cardiovascular procedures comprising 31 extracorporeal circulations) induction to halothane anaesthesia was performed using diazepam. A single intravenous dose averaging 10.7 mg. induces a rapid, calm and light sleep without producing hypotension, tachycardia, apnoea, or vagal stimulation. Narcosis must be complemented with analgesia and curarization. This was accomplished with halothane, succinylcholine, and hyperventilation. A synergistic action seems to exist between these various agents. Emergence from narcosis is rapid, though not instantaneous. So far no intolerance to this drug has been experienced.

Devoid of undesirable side-effects (such as depression of cardiorespiratory and viscero-autonomic functions) and possessing excellent hypnotic possibilities, intravenous diazepam would seem to be an excellent substitute for barbiturates for the induction of general anaesthesia. This is particularly true for poor anaesthetic risks such as cardiac patients.

Note:

Presented at the Annual Meeting of the Canadian Anaesthetists' Society at Banff, June 9, 1966.